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helpShower head won’t stop slow dripping. I’ve replaced the head and cartridge-help! (self.DIY)

submitted by kmaq0213

My shower head won’t stop slow dripping…just enough to be super annoying, but also be too moist/unclean.

I’ve gotten the Danco Cartridge remover tool from Lowe’s and replaced the faucet, but that hasn’t worked. I replaced the shower head, and that hasn’t worked. I figured replacing the shower head wouldn’t work as when I removed it, there was a steady drip out of the headless faucet.

From all my reading/research I though the cartridge would do it. Should I try again? I didn’t replace the actual handle as I figured that is mainly cosmetic, but could that be it? Im certain I got the right cartridge as I bought based on the actual model information I have.

I know I can figure this out…I’m just stuck. And refuse to pay the $150 quote just for plumbers to come out and look.

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[–]Honest-Sugar-1492 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You could try shutting the water down again, remove cartridge and then flush out the valve before replacing the cartridge again and restoring the water. Also inspect the inside of the valve body after flushing it out. Sounds like debris in the valve body, possibly small remnants of the old cartridge. It happens.

[–]oroscor1 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This here. Upon pulling out the old cartridge I inadvertently left small pieces of rubber gasket from it in the valve. When I reinstalled the cartridge it still leaked. I went back in with a flashlight and saw small bits of the old o-ring and other debris in there I cleared out this debris reinstalled the cartridge and it did not leak again.

[–]yamaha2000us -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Problem is the spigot.

[–]pianistafj 0 points1 point  (12 children)

I would remove shower faucet handle(s) and see if the mixing valve or knob valves have play in them. Often the mixing valve is getting out of spec and needs to be replaced to stop the dripping.

[–]kmaq0213[S] 1 point2 points  (9 children)

After reading a bit about the mixing valve, it now sounds like this might be part of the issue. If this is the case it seems like this is now not necessarily I problem I can personally DIY without big time commitment. Does that seem right?

[–]pianistafj 0 points1 point  (8 children)

Depends on if you have one shower handle or a separate hot and cold. If it’s just one handle/knob, the mixing valve should be directly behind it, and accessible once removing handle. Depending on how it’s hooked up, you may be able to DIY it. If it’s copper connections, you could probably handle it if you’re comfortable soldering with a blow torch. If it’s pex and you don’t have the tools, a plumber will be cheaper.

[–]kmaq0213[S] -1 points0 points  (7 children)

Hmm, I only have the one handle. I only have a small soldering iron, not a blow torch.

[–]pianistafj 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Copper plumbing requires a blow torch, and pex requires a much more expensive expander tool. Pex is way easier, and worth getting the tool if you’re gonna be plumbing more in the future. Also, replacing a mixing valve can sometimes require removing enough tile/wall to have access to the pipes, so it could be a little bit bigger of a job than just the valve. It may be best to bring in a plumber strictly for an estimate and explanation of what’s going on. Last year, I spent $220 to have a plumber add a shower hookup directly behind another one, which included installing the mixing valve. So, you might be better off having a plumber do it, since the tools can be more expensive. Most plumbers will be happy to explain to you what they’re doing so you can learn how to in the future.

[–]Pulaski540 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I wouldn't recommend the expander tool, I prefer the PEX crimp rings myself, and you can now buy a ½" crimp tool for A LOT less (Lowes, HD, or Amazon) than it would cost to call a plumber to your door. ....... And you'd still have the tool available for a lifetime of future use.

[–]pianistafj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome. I’m about to reno a second bathroom. I really appreciate your input!

[–]kmaq0213[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Great points-thanks so much for the feedback! I appreciate it!

Wonder if it’s worth replacing/cleaning out the cartridge one last.l time just in case? 🤷‍♂️

[–]ThePrinceVultan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Another thing to look into, if you do decide to go after the mixing valve and it requires you removing tile or a shower insert, is to see what's on the other side of the wall.

I had to replace mine and it would have required me to rip the entire shower out basically to get to it because it is a once piece insert. But nothing was on the wall on the other side so I went through the back and just had to repair some sheetrock vs having to do tile work or in my case removing the shower insert.

[–]pianistafj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just remodeled our master bathroom last year. First time doing many things, including soldering end caps to close off my old shower pipes, and pulling old stop valves off and soldering on new ones. You could learn those things from YT or a plumber, if you know one. I hadn’t learned any of that when I had the plumber come add the shower and install the mixing valve. However, he taught me what he was doing so I could continue my remodel without hiring any more contractors. Ended up working out just fine. Best of luck!

[–]fredsam25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending on the valve, you can possibly disassemble it in place and replace all the seals. That could fix the problem. It's not as good as replacing the whole valve, but it is much less involved than dismantling the piping.

[–]kmaq0213[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Is the mixing valve part of the cartridge? Is that something that I get from behind the faucet handle?

[–]cbryancu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mixing valve and cartridge is same thing in your case. There are some set ups that have 2 things you have to move, 1 for water volume and 1 for hot/cold mixing. If you have 1 handle, it does both.

[–]Wonderful-Border-642 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Might just be your valves are old or leaking slowly. Do you know how old they are? Might just need a rubber washer replaced

[–]kmaq0213[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The valves on what area? The house is from the 80’s I know the piping has been replaced, not sure about more

[–]cbryancu 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Did you clean out the valve housing before installing new cartridge? If there was any build up in it, it's possible you damaged new cartridge or new cartridge could not rotate or set fully.

I use CLR to clean inside out and then use a small toothbrush to remove the gunk. Rinse well and then place new cartridge in housing BUT use valve grease liberally to insert cartridge.

[–]kmaq0213[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Hmm, I think I wiped it out but I didn’t use any special cleaner or anything. I did use valve grease to install the new one for sure-I definitely remember that.

[–]cbryancu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well it depends on what's in the valve. Sometimes it free and clear, sometimes just a few bits of rubber, and sometimes lots of grit.

Take it apart and give a good look, feel the sides, and look over the new piece you put in. If you can compare it to what was in.

I doubt you need to replace the entire valve. That hadn't happened to me. I have only replaced valve when owners have wanted a new style or updating entire bathroom.

[–]danodiego 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does your model valve have a replaceable seat? As washers wear out, people will naturally close the valve tighter than normal and end up with small nicks in the seat.

[–]Nvexp92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Swap it to a moen posi temp valve mip and a couple shark bite fittings so you don’t have to solder. Super easy diy project. Less than an hour.

[–]Material-Leading-621 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some people call a cartridge a mixing valve. You need to remove the new cartridge. Inspect it carefully for damage to the rubber o rings. Do you have very hard water? If the lime deposits on the leaky faucet were a lot, you likely need to change out the whole valve and not waste your time going further. Check it against the old one to be sure they are the same. Are the o rings on the old one perfect or torn, ragged or missing? If the old one was a leaker as long as you can remember, it may have been the wrong one. Did you use a sharp tool or screw driver to get stuff out of the throat and possibly scratch the interior of the valve? Double check your replacement with the manufacturer. If it is the right one then go to next task. Check the throat of the faucet for debris. Get a second person to help with flushing the valve before you replace the cartridge. Close the shower door and turn on water supply on and off several times to flush the debris. Lightly grease only the o rings on the cartridge and replace.

[–]Kiwipop46 0 points1 point  (0 children)

House water pressure too high? Mine was at 90psi. Installed a new pressure regulator and now it is at 65psi. A big clue is if your shower is giving you a full body massage. Might feel great but you have a problem. My neighbor ended up with a leak under his concrete slab caused/contributed to by this issue. JUMBO$$$$$

[–]Excellent_Collar5618 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your water valve is leaking by, that's why the water is dripping from your shower head